Water concerns delay approval of San Miguel-area housing development
New Times SLO (Atascadero)
May 7, 2026
If you’ve been watching the housing situation unfold across the North County, you know the tension between building homes and protecting our water is nothing new. According to *New Times SLO (Atascadero)*, a proposed housing development near San Miguel hit another snag this week, as county supervisors delayed final approval over lingering groundwater concerns in the Paso Robles basin. The board did vote down an appeal challenging the project, so it’s not dead—but the fact that a decade-old environmental review is now being questioned shows just how much our understanding of local water supplies has evolved since that report was written.
For those of us in Atascadero, this feels close to home. We’ve watched our own wells and creeks respond to drought cycles, and the Paso basin doesn’t stop at city limits. Whether you’re for or against new development, this delay is a reminder that every shovel-ready project in our region now has to answer the same tough question: can we grow without draining what keeps this place green? It’s a conversation that affects all of us, from San Miguel to the Salinas River corridor. Stay tuned—this story isn’t over yet.
This summary was written by AI based on the original article from New Times SLO (Atascadero).
City
AtascaderoPublished
May 7, 2026
AI-curated summary from local news sources
Explore AtascaderoAll Atascadero NewsMore News from Atascadero
AtascaderoAutumn Arts Annual 2026
Summer's still lingering here in Atascadero, but the calendar says fall, and New Times SLO (Atascadero) has rolled out its Autumn Arts Annual 2026 to prove it. If you've been waiting for an excuse to get out of the house and into something creative, this is your sign — exhibitions, performances, and all the seasonal happenings landing across the Central Coast. There's something special about autumn around here. The crowds thin out, the light turns golden over the North County, and our local galleries and venues finally get room to breathe. Whether you're a longtime Atascadero arts supporter or just curious about what's happening down the road, this roundup is worth a look. So grab a jacket — eventually — and go support the makers and organizers who keep our corner of the 805 interesting. Full details are over at New Times SLO.
AtascaderoAtascadero council race draws four candidates for two seats
Atascadero folks, we've got a real race on our hands this November. Four candidates — incumbent Susan Funk, Emily Baranek, Mike Avila, and self-described outsider Ian Denchasy — are competing for two seats on the City Council, with Councilmember Heather Newsom stepping away. That's a big shift for a council that's been fairly steady in recent years. Housing and jobs are the headline issues, which won't surprise anyone who's watched rents climb and young families struggle to stay in North County. These are the decisions that shape what gets built, what gets approved, and what our town looks like a decade from now. Meanwhile, Mayor Charles Bourbeau runs unopposed for another two-year term. New Times SLO has the full candidate rundown, so do your homework before ballots arrive. Local elections are where your vote counts the most — this one's worth showing up for.
AtascaderoSLO City Council refines confidentiality policy for elected officials
Our neighbors in SLO just tightened up the rules on keeping city business confidential, and it's worth a nod from those of us up here in Atascadero. The City Council unanimously adopted a resolution at its Sept. 15 meeting revising its policies and procedures manual, adding two specific guidelines on handling confidential information. This comes after Mayor Erica Stewart shared a confidential SLO County grand jury report—a reminder that even well-meaning officials can slip up. Why does it matter to us? Because transparency and trust in local government aren't just SLO issues. Every city on the Central Coast, including ours, benefits when elected leaders set clear expectations. It's a quiet but meaningful step toward accountability. New Times SLO (Atascadero) reported the story, and it's a good conversation starter for our own council. Small procedural changes can prevent big headaches down the road.